OET (Box Hill Institute)
OET
Occupational English Test
Latest Updates (2026)
2025–2026: OET@Home available for all 12 professions. Computer testing available 6 days/week. Faster results for Computer/Home delivery.
About This Test
A healthcare-specific English proficiency test designed for 12 healthcare professions including nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and allied health. Unlike general English tests, OET uses real healthcare scenarios — patient consultations, case notes, and clinical communication. Accepted by healthcare regulators in 50+ countries including UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Canada.
Healthcare professional English proficiency for registration and employment
Test Format
Listening: 3 parts, healthcare conversations and lectures (40 minutes)
Reading: 3 parts, healthcare texts and case notes (60 minutes)
Writing: Profession-specific task — referral letter, transfer letter, or discharge summary (45 minutes)
Speaking: 2 role-plays with a real interlocutor, healthcare scenarios (20 minutes)
Key Features
- Healthcare-specific content — real clinical scenarios, not abstract topics
- Tested for 12 healthcare professions (nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, etc.)
- Three delivery modes: Paper, Computer, or OET@Home (remote)
- Results in 6 days for Computer/Home — faster than most healthcare tests
- Accepted by 500+ healthcare organisations worldwide
- Speaking test is face-to-face role-play with a real interlocutor
- Writing test is profession-specific (referral letters, case notes, discharge summaries)
Score Requirements by Level
| CEFR Level | OET Score | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| C1 – C2 | Advanced / Proficient | Postgraduate entry, scholarships, top employers |
| B2 | Upper Intermediate | Most undergraduate & postgraduate programs |
| B1 | Intermediate | Foundation programs, pathway entry |
| A2 | Elementary | Certificate programs, visa applications |
What Can You Use This For?
Top Institutions Accepting OET
Official Preparation Resources
- Official OET practice tests (profession-specific)
- OET preparation resources at oet.com
- Healthcare vocabulary guides
- Clinical communication practice materials
Preparation Tip
Use official OET practice materials for your specific profession. Focus on healthcare vocabulary, clinical communication, and professional letter writing. The Speaking test is a role-play — practice with a colleague. Check your regulator's accepted test modes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which healthcare professions can take OET?
OET is available for 12 professions: Dentistry, Dietetics, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiology, Speech Pathology, and Veterinary Science.
Is OET harder than IELTS for healthcare professionals?
OET is designed for healthcare professionals and uses familiar clinical content. Many find it easier than IELTS because the content is relevant to their daily work. However, it requires specific healthcare vocabulary and communication skills.
Quick Facts
Who Accepts This?
Accepted by healthcare regulators in 50+ countries: UK (NMC/GMC), USA (ECFMG/State Boards), Australia (AHPRA), New Zealand, Ireland, Canada. 500+ organisations worldwide.
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